Analysis of normal high-frequency ultrasonographic anatomical features of tarsal tunnel / 局解手术学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the features of normal high-frequency ultrasonography of tarsal tunnel. Methods Forty volunteers (20 males and 20 females) were examined with high-frequency ultrasound (12 MHz). The tendons,nerve and blood vessels in tarsal tunnel were observed from short-axis and long-axis views dynamically. The areas of tarsal tunnel and posterior tibial nerve were measured and com-pared between the males and females. Results High-frequency ultrasonography depicted the anatomical structure of tarsal tunnel,and the tendons,nerve and blood vessels presented different sonographic features that were easy to differentiate. The area of tarsal tunnel male (7.61 ±1.00) cm2,female (6. 61 ± 1. 07) cm2 (P <0. 01). The area of posterior tibial nerve male (9. 59 ± 0. 75) mm2,female (8.91 ±0.74) mm2(P<0.01). Conclusion High-frequency ultrasonography can clearly show and accurately measure the tarsal tunnel structure. To be familiar with the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of tarsal tunnel will help to improve the efficacy of ultrasound diagnosis of tarsal tunnel abnormalities.